The Chocolate Expo returns to Long Island at Nassau Coliseum

Long Islanders get their annual chocolate fix at The Chocolate Expo, which has been a spring staple since 2012. The event returns March 22 at a new venue, the Expo Hall at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale.

“We are the official home of chocolate, food and fun,” producer-founder Marvin Baum says. “Most people have memories of chocolate from when they were children that they associate with family celebrations and holidays. Chocolate represents happiness and good times.”

More than 80 vendors will feature a variety of chocolate-based treats for sale. Here’s a preview of what’s on the menu.

THE CHOCOLATE BOMB CANNOLI

Picture a milk chocolate-covered cannoli shell stuffed with chocolate chip cannoli cream then dipped at each end in chocolate sprinkles or chocolate chips topped with powdered sugar. Then you’ve got The Chocolate Bomb from Uncle Joey’s Cannoli of Massachusetts.

“It will give you enough chocolate to be able to fly around the Coliseum,” owner Joe Sidelinger says. “All the cannolis are filled on site to order so they are freshly done.” ($7.50 each)

CHOCOLATE BACON BOTTOM PEEPS

Proving chocolate goes with almost anything, Bacon Bites of New Jersey sells pink Peeps dipped in milk chocolate sitting on a nest of crushed bacon.

“People love both bacon and chocolate,” says owner Larry Rosenberg, who is also the associate producer of The Chocolate Expo. “The combination of the sweet, salty and smoky flavor is enticing.” (Box of five for $20)

CACAO MAPLE VODKA

Those 21 and over can take a sip of vodka steeped with organic cacao nibs and sweetened with a touch of local maple syrup, a concoction created by Cooper’s Daughter Spirits from upstate Hudson called Cacao Maple Vodka.

“It has a very rich dark chocolate flavor,” cocktail garden manager Laura Duryea says. “You can use it as an after-dinner drink on the rocks, in a chocolate martini or for a spiked hot chocolate.” (375-milliliter bottle: $32, 750-ml bottle: $54)

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER PIE

Personal trainer and professional bodybuilder Laurel Shortell handcrafts homemade peanut butter, which she uses for her popular peanut butter pie from Laurel’s Butter in Bohemia.

“These are the two best flavors combined together,” Shortell says. “It’s like a huge Reese's peanut butter cup with some graham crackers, but it’s super healthy with no chemicals or preservatives.” ($5 per slice, full pie $30)

CHOCOLATE ALMOND BUTTER CRUNCH

Dorothy Cox’s Chocolates of Massachusetts has been making chocolate products since 1928.

“My great aunt started the company during the Great Depression,” president Francis Cox says.

Its current hot seller is Chocolate Almond Butter Crunch, which consists of chocolate-covered English toffee with almonds on the outside that comes in both milk and dark chocolate squares. (6-ounce bags with 10 pieces for $10)

TEA-INFUSED DARK CHOCOLATE BARS

For those who seek a premium dark chocolate that’s 80% cocoa, Villakuyaya from upstate Bardonia sells tea-infused chocolate bars with masala chai, matcha green tea, herbal cranberry orange as well as tulsi ginger and lemon.

“All our chocolate is made in Ecuador because they have the best cacao beans with a strong aroma,” owner Tania Molina says. “We work directly with the farmers to get the freshest product.” ($10 per bar)

CELEBRITY GUESTS

Those who grew up watching the Ingalls family on NBC’s “Little House on the Prairie” will be excited to meet three stars from the show, who will be signing autographs and taking photos. ($40 each or $60 for both)

Patrick Labyorteaux (“JAG”), who played Andy Garvey, thinks the show has maintained its relevance.

“The moral stories hold up,” Labyorteaux, 60, says. “A kid today can watch an episode and understand it from the very beginning.”

Best known as his character Almanzo Wilder, actor Dean Butler feels the show contains a timeless message.

“ ‘Little House’ taught that the happiness in your life is about the people you love, the place you live together and how you care for each other,” Butler, 69, states. “The audience found great comfort in that.”

Todd Bridges (“Diff’rent Strokes”) starred as Solomon Henry in the landmark "Little House" 1977 episode, “The Wisdom of Solomon,” which grapples with issues like racism and emancipation.

“It was one of the best roles I’ve ever played. The character had real substance to it,” says Bridges, 60. “Solomon was a smart, good-natured kid that hoped times were different than they were.”

KIDS ACTIVITIES

There will be plenty of action for children starting with balloon twisting by Robbie Furman, who will also make a “Little House on the Prairie”-themed balloon sculpture display for photo ops. A balloon-based scavenger hunt starts at 10:30 a.m., followed by The Chocolate Smash at noon.

“Kids can each take a swing at a 6-pound chocolate pig with a hammer,” Rosenberg says. “All participants get a bag of freeze-dried candies and pieces of chocolate as well as an ‘I Just Smashed It!’ sticker.”

The day concludes with a balloon popping party at 5 p.m.